Accra: Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has called on the country's youthful population to rise to the occasion and drive national development. He emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges facing the nation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Afenyo-Markin made these remarks during the launch of the Young Common Forum (YCF) at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra. He highlighted the significance of mentorship, collaboration, and selflessness in achieving success, encouraging young leaders to support one another and work towards collective success. The theme of the summit was 'Empowering the Young Generation for Leadership and Development,' aiming to inspire the youth to recognize their potential and challenge the status quo.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated, "The time has come for us to take ownership of our destiny and shape the future we want." He urged for accountability from leaders and the youth themselves, advocating for a collective effort to build a brighter future for current and future generations. He also stressed the role of innovation, entrepreneurship, and education in national development, citing initiatives like the Free Senior High School (SHS) education policy and the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative as successful examples.
He pointed out the potential of Ghana's young population, with over 57 percent under the age of 25, as both an opportunity and a challenge. Addressing issues like unemployment, education, and mentorship is crucial to harnessing this potential. Mr. Afenyo-Markin quoted late President Nelson Mandela, saying, "Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation."
The Minority Leader also emphasized the importance of responsible leadership and citizen engagement, particularly in combating issues like illegal mining (galamsey) which impacts the environment and communities. He urged collective action to address these challenges, stating, "Let us fight this together; otherwise, there will be no Ghana for us."
Mr. Nyantakyi Osborn, President of YCF, expressed gratitude to the Minority Leader for his encouragement. He emphasized that the occasion was a commitment to listen, collaborate, and work towards a future that reflects their highest goals.
